The son of prominent Bulgarian businessman Atanas Bobokov appeared in Smolyan Regional Court Friday following his arrest at the Pamporovo ski resort on charges related to marijuana possession. Božidar Bobokov, a student at a private school affiliated with the University of Cambridge, was granted a $5,000 bond despite allegations he intended to distribute the 122 grams of marijuana found in his vehicle, a case authorities note involves an unusually large quantity for the region. This arrest marks Bobokov’s second encounter with Bulgarian law enforcement in recent months, following a December release on bond related to protests against the government .
Student Thanks Judge for Freedom, Had Exams to Attend
Bozhidar Bobokov, the son of businessman Atanas Bobokov, was released Friday on a $5,000 bond after a judge advised him to stay away from drugs. Bobokov is facing charges related to the possession of 122 grams of marijuana, which authorities allege he intended to sell. He was initially detained Thursday afternoon in the Pamporovo ski resort.
The court cited Bobokov’s young age, student status, and lack of prior criminal record as reasons for granting him bail. Bobokov expressed his gratitude and left the courthouse with his attorneys. His father was not present during the hearing.
This is not the first time Bobokov has faced legal scrutiny. In early December, he was released with a simple “signature bond” following an arrest for disorderly conduct during protests against the government; that investigation remains ongoing.
During the hearing in Smolyan Regional Court, Bobokov stated he is currently a student at a private school in the capital city that partners with the University of Cambridge and needed to attend upcoming exams. He reported having no income of his own, but his parents were able to cover the bond amount. Bobokov also claimed to be involved in cryptocurrency trading, though he stated his account held less than $500.
Prosecutor Stancho Stanchev argued Bobokov’s lack of family ties and access to a vehicle and drugs presented a flight risk. The court, however, did not agree with this assessment.
The reason for the marijuana’s presence in Bobokov’s vehicle – whether for personal use, distribution, or another purpose – remained unclear during the court proceedings. While prosecutors initially stated the amount seized was 384 grams, the court heard testimony clarifying the net weight was 122 grams. Investigators have confirmed the drugs belonged to Bobokov. The driver of the vehicle, Lorenzo, was questioned as a witness and has not been charged; he reportedly departed for Sofia with Bobokov’s car on Thursday.
Officials from the Ministry of Interior and the Smolyan Prosecutor’s Office stated the quantity of marijuana seized is unusually large for the region, and that their efforts to combat drug trafficking have led to a decrease in related crimes. The case highlights the ongoing efforts to address drug-related offenses in the area.
